West Hollywood’s Best Al Fresco Dining

From bright and bustling destinations to low-lit after-dark escapes, there is something for everyone when it comes to the city’s awesome open-air restaurant environments. West Hollywood’s al fresco dining options are unrivaled and there’s a plethora of inviting patio settings to choose from.

8 Spots That Top the List

The Abbey

It’s known as one of the most popular gay nightclubs, but what happens on the dance floor isn’t The Abbey’s biggest draw. The real excitement happens in its uncovered areas, where tables and booths are smattered about outside amid brick, wrought iron and trees, with a setup that provides the best people-watching while grubbing in West Hollywood. The menu offers an impressive array of salads, sandwiches, breakfast items and cocktails, but it’s the DJ-driven music, dishing/dancing diners, and the fabulous scene in general (especially on Sundays during their “Drag Brunch”) that’ll fill your experience at The Abbey with audacious amusement.

692 NORTH ROBERTSON BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
310-289-8410, THEABBEYWEHO.COM

Taste on Melrose

This Melrose staple features a courtyard and extra dining room. Good thing too. Taste is one of the more popular West Hollywood dining destinations, especially for Sunday brunch and bottomless mimosas. Living up to its name with an amazing selection of farmers market fresh favorites—salads, pasta dishes, egg options—Taste on Melrose’s clean lines and white color palette make for an unfussy ambiance that’s light, bright and lets the food shine.

8454 MELROSE AVENUE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
323-852-6888, ILOVETASTE.COM

Kitchen24

One of the biggest patios on Santa Monica Blvd., K24 is a great place to sit and absorb the energy of the neighborhood: locals strolling, dogs walking with their owners… it’s the essence of bustling West Hollywood life. You can enjoy it around the clock too (the “24” refers to the fact that it’s open 24 hours). Decorated with a funky neo-industrial, retro design amped by pink and brown accents, it’s a modern diner with a hip twist. The restaurant’s patio scene is popular, but the biggest draw is the food, especially the breakfast and desserts (delectable cupcake flavors, which change every month).

8575 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
424-777-0959, KITCHEN24.INFO

Granville

Its former identity as a Jerry’s Deli is but a distant memory, and a big part of Granville’s marvelous makeover is highlighted in its outdoor area. Sleek and modern lines, angular windows, funky light fixtures and plenty of nice natural light inside and out, make this spacious spot the perfect place for a casual brunch or classy dinner. Whatever the time of day, you’ll find comfort here in both the place’s food (sweet potato fries, steaks, mac ‘n’ cheese) and its feel, especially enjoyed outside.

8701 BEVERLY BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90048
424-522-5161, GRANVILLECAFE.COM

Rosaliné

The skylight above the patio here creates diverse moods from day to night and both make for blissful dining vibes. You’ll enjoy this Peruvian-driven restaurant’s ambiance whether the sun is shining cheerily from above, peeking through the plentiful hanging green plants into your paella (a must try!), or the stars are gleaming down upon wine glasses and a decadent dessert. Live music complements the cuisine and the scene at Rosaliné.

8479 MELROSE AVENUE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
323-297-9500, ROSALINELA.COM

Ivory at Mondrian Los Angeles

Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles boasts a celebrity clientele, exquisite cocktails and a breath-taking view of Los Angeles, and its adjoining restaurant is no different. Ivory on Sunset has some delectable dishes, all served on pretty blue and white china plates with elegant stemware to match. Enjoy steaks, salads, cheese plates, breakfast dishes, and decadent desserts as soft jazz and pop melds with breeze and bites here, and gets livelier as the bar next door fills up. Décor is simple, because here, it’s all about the view—one of the best in town to soak up the city lights.

8440 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
323-650-8999, IVORYONSUNSET.COM

Laurel Hardware

Hidden behind an old hardware storefront, Laurel Hardware offers a magical outdoor oasis complete with enchanted looking trees, twinkling lights, inventive food, and craft cocktails… and not a wrench in sight! This speakeasy-style locale really would fool most not familiar with its location walking by, but it’s no secret to foodies in town. It’s one of West Hollywood’s hottest date night nooks, with a high-energy vibe on Friday and Saturday nights. Great bites with an Italian flair and booze concoctions with artisanal accents add to the whimsy.

7984 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046
323-656-6070, LAURELHARDWARE.COM

Mardi Restaurant

Green walls and checkered flooring make for a funky feel at Mardi, the restaurant inside the trendy Palihouse West Hollywood. The food is just as fun too: garnished veggie dishes, an array of fresh salads and playful proteins, and their famous “Grandma’s Bread” with smoked olive butter. DJs and occasional live music add to the cozy home away from home allure.

8465 HOLLOWAY DRIVE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
323-656-4020, MARDIRESTAURANT.COM

Updated from the original article written by Lina Lecaro